· 2 min read
Egusi is a thick soup made from ground melon seeds, eaten across West Africa. Here’s what goes into it and how to eat it.
Egusi is one of the best known Nigerian soups, and one of the most-liked dishes on our Uber Eats menu. If you’ve never had it, this guide explains what it is.
Where the name comes from
Egusi is the name for the seeds of a melon-like gourd grown across West Africa. The seeds are dried, shelled and ground. When they cook, they thicken the soup and give it a grainy, nutty texture, a bit like scrambled egg.
What goes into it
Recipes change from family to family and region to region, but most egusi has:
- ground egusi seeds
- palm oil
- peppers and onions
- leafy greens, such as bitterleaf, spinach or fluted pumpkin leaves
- meat, fish or both
At K’s Spice, our egusi is melon seeds cooked with vegetables and dried fish.
How it’s served
Egusi is a soup you eat with a “swallow”: a soft, dough-like side such as pounded yam, eba or amala. You tear off a small piece of the swallow, shape it with your fingers and use it to scoop up the soup. Our guide to what swallow is explains the different kinds.
On our menu, egusi comes with your choice of pounded yam, amala or eba, and your choice of beef, assorted or fish. If you’re not sure what “assorted” means, read our guide to assorted meat, shaki and pomo.
Is egusi spicy?
It has pepper in it, but egusi is usually rich more than fiery. If you want it milder or hotter, ask when you order.
Good to know
Egusi on our menu contains fish. If you have an allergy, tell us before you order. There’s more in our guide to allergies and dietary needs.
Try it
Egusi is in the main dishes on our menu. You can book a table or order it for collection or delivery.
Hungry?
See what’s on our menu, book a table at 13 Pier Road, or order for collection or delivery.